BRS Leader KT Rama Rao Demands Independent Investigation into Singareni Collieries
Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Tuesday made a significant appeal to Telangana governor Jishnu Dev Varma, urging him to recommend an independent probe into alleged irregularities within the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). The investigation, as proposed by KTR, should be conducted either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a sitting high court judge to ensure impartiality and transparency.
Allegations of Systematic Financial Mismanagement
Leading a delegation comprising BRS MLAs and MPs, KTR met the governor at Raj Bhavan and submitted a detailed representation. The document accuses the Congress government of corruption, financial mismanagement, and irregular tendering processes in various Singareni projects. Specifically, the allegations focus on the company's overburden (OB) mining operations and solar power initiatives, which KTR described as a systematic siphoning of public funds.
The BRS delegation claimed to have provided documentary evidence supporting their accusations. This evidence reportedly highlights inflated project costs and numerous procedural violations that have allegedly occurred under the current administration. Given that the Union government holds a stake in SCCL, the delegation emphasized that central intervention is necessary to prevent further financial losses and protect public resources.
Government's Response and Public Outcry
Speaking to media representatives after the meeting, KTR expressed frustration over the government's handling of the allegations. He noted that despite repeated disclosures by BRS leaders, including former minister T Harish Rao, the administration has failed to offer credible explanations. "Instead of addressing the serious charges, they are attempting to divert public attention by summoning individuals under the guise of inquiries," KTR stated.
He further claimed that the chief minister's silence on the matter has generated significant anger in coal-belt regions. "Workers and residents feel that the state leadership is actively shielding what they perceive as a 'coal mafia,'" KTR alleged. He also accused the government of misappropriating nearly Rs 10 crore from Singareni funds for non-core purposes, exacerbating the financial strain on the company.
Questionable Tender Practices
KTR raised concerns about a newly introduced "site visit certification" clause in recent tenders, a condition he asserted never existed in Singareni or other coal mines previously. He alleged that earlier tenders, which had received lower bids, were cancelled and reissued with this new clause, ultimately driving project costs higher. This practice, according to KTR, points to deliberate attempts to manipulate the tendering process for undue advantage.
In response to these allegations, KTR demanded the immediate release of a white paper detailing:
- Companies that conducted site visits over the past nine months
- All related communications and documentation
- Certificates issued during these visits
- The criteria used for contractor selection
This call for transparency aims to hold the government accountable and ensure that public funds are managed with integrity. The ongoing controversy underscores the heightened political tensions in Telangana, with the BRS positioning itself as a vigilant opposition against alleged governance failures.
